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IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CALL 911 AND THEN CALL FARAHI LAW FIRM RIGHT AWAY.
We can help you get the medical treatment you need and the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t worry about fees. We will not charge you anything unless we win — and we will. Call Farahi Law’s expert brain injury lawyers for FREE Consultation. Available 24/7
No Fees Unless we Win!
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers
In Los Angeles, sunshine and decent weather conditions make for consistent outdoor activities. Bicycling is one of them. Although bicyclists are protected under California traffic laws, those rights are not always respected by motorists.
In a cycling accident, the injuries can be compounded because cyclists are more vulnerable – due to the fact that their only means of protection is a helmet. Medical expenses, loss of income, and other financial damages can have a significant and sometimes permanent effect on bicycle accident victims. If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, it is critical to have expert Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers on your side.
Our bike accident lawyers will guide you through the process of your bicycle accident claim and fight the at-fault party’s insurance company to win you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Most Common Causes Of Bicycle Accidents In Los Angeles
Although cyclists are governed by the same rules of the road as automobile drivers in Southern California. Because bicycles are smaller and lighter than other vehicles, other roadway users put cyclists at a disadvantage. It happens all too often that cyclists can get sideswiped or crashed into or have their right of way ignored at an intersection.
With more than a decade of handling personal injury cases, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers have the experience. Some of the most common causes of bicycle injuries on the road are:
- Distracted Driving – It is one of the leading causes of all types of motor vehicle collisions. When a distracted driver’s attention is divided between the road and a text message or a call or checking social media, they are more likely to cause accidents.
- Speeding – Speeding can be linked to a significant number of bicycle accident injuries and deaths. Speeding crashes often cause catastrophic injuries due to the force of impact. Whether it is a cyclist or a motor vehicle driver, they should always consider driving or riding within safe speed limits.
- Drunk Driving – Alcohol and drug impairment significantly decreases drivers’ abilities to make good decisions to avoid collisions and leads to too many crashes involving bicycles.
- Riding too Close to a Lane of Motor Vehicle Traffic – Hazardous situations are created by careless drivers who follow the cyclists too closely and who pass within less than three feet of them. Bicyclists should never presume that cars will leave enough space for them to drive their bikes safely. Using a bike lane or sidewalk could be better than using the right edge of a road.
- Unsafe Lane Changes – Cyclists have the same rights and duties as all other motorists on the roads. And there is a risk when they share the road. A bicycle collision involving another motor vehicle making an unsafe lane change can be extremely dangerous. Before merging or changing lanes, drivers must ensure that there is no bicyclist beside them or in their blind spot.
- Failure to Yield – Cyclists can reasonably expect vehicles to yield the right of way, but they should never assume that other drivers will yield. Failure to yield is another reckless driving example that poses significant risks to bicycle riders. Determining liability is always difficult in such instances. Injured cyclists should hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss their legal options.
- Dooring – Dooring is another frequent accident caused when motorists open the doors of their vehicles onto the cyclists’ paths. A sudden car door opening is a severe and seldom expected danger for bicyclists. Before opening a car door, both drivers and passengers in vehicles are required to look out for cyclists.
- Road Hazards – In Los Angeles, if you become a victim of a bicycle accident due to a road hazard, you may have a claim against the local government. Unsafe road conditions can cause bike accidents involving potholes, poor road designs, signal malfunctioning, uneven road surfaces, debris, oil, fallen signs or trees, etc.
In all of these situations, a negligent driver can cause serious injury to a cyclist. The cyclist should hire a dedicated personal injury lawyer to help them recover the maximum compensation they deserve.
Common Injuries Stemming From Bicycle Accidents
In 2019, 1,089 bicycle riders were killed in US traffic crashes. Anytime there is a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, it is the cyclist that is most likely to be harmed because
they have little to no protection. Injuries from a bicycle accident can range from minor to severe.
Some severe injuries can require long-term medical care. Here are some of the common types of injuries that bicyclists can sustain:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Facial injuries
- Bone fractures or broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains & Strains
- Internal organ damage
- Muscle tears & ligament rupture
- Cuts & Lacerations
- Severe road rash
Bicycle Accident Liability in Los Angeles
In a bicycle collision claim in Los Angeles, the accident victim (plaintiff) must prove the following elements:
- The defendant had a duty of care to ensure the safety of the victim.
- The defendant breached that duty.
- The crash would not have existed had not been for the negligent actions of the careless driver (defendant).
- The defendant’s negligent actions caused the victim’s injuries and property damage.
Many bicyclists ignore the fact that basic rules and road signs apply to them as well. Cyclists should also behave responsibly while riding to prevent a cycling crash. If a bicyclist’s unsafe actions cause a crash, the other party can sue them for their damages.
This can significantly impact the bicyclist’s financial status as there is no provision of having any insurance companies cover a bicycle. Moreover, if a cyclist is partially liable for the accident, their compensation amount will be reduced by their percentage share in the accident case in Los Angeles.
Hiring a bike accident attorney immediately after a crash will ensure the victim receives rightful compensation. A competent bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles will conduct a thorough investigation of the crash scene to determine what triggered the collision, who’s the liable party, and how to proceed further.
Safety Guidelines That Can Help Prevent Bicycle Accidents
- Wear a bike helmet and other safety equipment while cycling.
- Please follow all applicable traffic laws while riding a bike.
- Equip your bike with reflectors and lights to improve driver visibility at night.
- Wear bright color clothes or reflective clothing.
- Avoid riding alone or when visibility is low, e.g., at night or in bad weather.
- Teach your kids bicycle safety rules.
- Ensure that kids are aware of the safety rules while cycling.
Why Choose Farahi Law Firm?
At Farahi Law Firm, we handle our cases with the utmost care. It is our goal to give our clients the justice and financial compensation they deserve to recover from their injuries and damages. We will hold the responsible party accountable for their actions and guard your rights from an insurance company that might seek to lowball you to avoid offering you a fair settlement.
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident due to the negligent actions of another person, our Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers are here to guide you through your bicycle injury claim. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win! Contact us or call us at (310) 610-4925 to schedule a free consultation.
Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyers: FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about bicycle accident claims and settlements in Los Angeles, CA.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for a bicycle accident claim is the same as a personal injury case in the state of California. A plaintiff has to file a claim in a California jurisdiction within two years from the date of the accident.
What if a Road Defect Caused My Bicycle Accident?
Dangerous road defects or conditions can cause bicycle accidents. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for maintaining California’s roads. If road repairs are not made within a reasonable amount of time, and the condition leads to accidents, then Caltrans may be held liable for damages.
When suing a government entity, it can be very difficult to put forward a claim for a number of reasons. Hire our skilled bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles if road defects are the reason for accidents.
Do Cyclists Have the Right of Way Like Pedestrians in LA?
It is a widespread myth that cyclists have lawfully more in common with pedestrians than with motorists. As per California DMV, bicyclists are entitled to the same privileges and obligations as motorists and are subject to the same laws and regulations. This means that the “pedestrians always have the right-of-way” rule does not extend to bicyclists in LA.
What are Bike Helmet Requirements in California?
Everybody should wear helmets when cycling — even if the law doesn’t say it. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the most common at the same time, deadly injuries associated with bicycle accidents. Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle may help in minimizing the damage. Under California law:
- A person under the age of 18 should wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle.
- Bicycle passengers riding in a restraining seat are also required to wear a helmet.
- Bicyclists are required to wear a helmet while riding on a public road or a bicycle lane, and bicycle path, or a trail.
- Helmets sold or offered for sale by manufacturers should adhere to the applicable safety standards.
I Was Injured Due to a Defective Bicycle or Bicycle Part. Who is Liable?
If you own a defective bicycle and suffered injuries because of a malfunctioning part, the bicycle manufacturer can be held liable for damages under product liability laws. If you were renting a bike, and it was not properly maintained or had defects that resulted in an accident causing injuries, you can recover your losses from the renting company.
Proving these manufacturers wrong is an ardent job, which is often associated with insurance firms, always ready to deny your claim.
IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE HAS BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CALL 911 AND THEN CALL FARAHI LAW FIRM RIGHT AWAY.
We can help you get the medical treatment you need and the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t worry about fees. We will not charge you anything unless we win — and we will. Call Farahi Law’s expert brain injury lawyers for FREE Consultation. Available 24/7
No Fees Unless we Win!